February 2026

Kia ora and greetings,

In January 2026, Pope Leo XIV proclaimed a Special Jubilee Year dedicated to St Francis of Assisi who died 800 years ago and has certainly become one of the most famous saints of all times.

There are so many connections with St Francis of Assisi:

He was promoting Interreligious Dialogue when he met with a Muslim leader during the times of the Crusades. Listen here to an interview with Patrick Carolan on this topic.
He was known for his protection of all of God’s Creation and the interconnectedness.
Pope Francis, the first pope who chose this name when elected pope, dedicated his encyclical letter 10 years ago to him: Laudato Sí – On Care for Our Common Home.
His approach of faith combined with action is acknowledged in the recent small book published by the RDC: E tū te mana o te ao: Building a Climate of Hope.
He is not only known for setting up a Nativity Scene but also prepared the ground for the Stations of the Cross.